Discounts for Carers: Free Companion Tickets and More

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

If you look after a husband, wife, parent, relative or friend, you can often go with them free or at a reduced price: on trains, at the cinema, at historic sites, theatres and leisure centres. Most of these concessions are attached to the person you care for rather than to you, so the key is knowing which card or proof to carry.

First, are you a "carer"?

Many people who look after someone do not think of themselves as carers; they are simply being a good wife, son or neighbour. In this guide a carer means anyone who gives regular unpaid help to someone who could not manage without it because of illness, disability, frailty or a mental health condition. Recognising yourself as a carer matters, because it opens the door to support as well as discounts.

Travel

Trains: Disabled Persons Railcard

If the person you care for holds a Disabled Persons Railcard, they get a third off rail fares and so does one adult travelling with them. The companion does not have to be the same person each time, but must travel with the cardholder for the whole journey. At the time of writing (November 2026) the official site lists the card at £20 for one year or £54 for three years. Eligibility is based on disability, not age; the criteria and application are on the Disabled Persons Railcard page.

If the person you care for is over 60 and does not meet the disability criteria, a Senior Railcard gives them a third off, but it does not cover a companion.

Buses

Some councils issue a disabled person's bus pass with a companion entitlement, so that a carer travels free when accompanying the pass holder. This depends on where you live and on the person's needs. Ask the council that issued the pass. See free bus pass.

Cars and parking

A Blue Badge belongs to the disabled person, not the car, so it can be used in your car when you are driving them. It must not be used when they are not travelling. See our Blue Badge guide, and the Motability Scheme page, which explains how a carer can be a named driver.

Cinema, theatre and days out

Cinema: the CEA Card

The CEA Card is a national scheme run by the UK Cinema Association. When the cardholder buys a full-price ticket, the person accompanying them is admitted free at participating cinemas. It is for people who need someone's help to visit the cinema. The eligibility rules, the fee and how to apply are on the CEA Card website. See also cinema and theatre discounts.

Heritage sites and attractions

Free entry for an essential companion is common at historic houses, gardens, zoos and museums. English Heritage, for example, says it gives free access to the assisting companion of a disabled member or visitor, without requiring proof of disability, and that the companion need not be the same person on each visit. The National Trust and many other organisations have their own companion arrangements; check each one's access page before you go. There is more on days out discounts.

Theatres, concerts and sport

Most theatres and concert halls, and many sports grounds, run access schemes that give a free or reduced ticket for a companion. You usually need to register with the venue once. Phone the box office and ask for the access line.

Leisure centres

Council leisure centres often admit a carer free when they are supporting a disabled person to swim or exercise. Ask at reception. See gym and swimming discounts.

Tip: when booking anything, ask "Do you offer a free carer or companion ticket?" before paying. Venues rarely volunteer it, but most have a policy.

Proving you are a carer

There is no single national carer's card. What venues accept varies, but useful things to carry include:

the cared-for person's own card: Disabled Persons Railcard, CEA Card, Blue Badge or disabled person's bus pass;
a letter showing the cared-for person receives a disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance;
a Carer's Allowance award letter in your name;
a local carer's card. Many councils and local carers' centres issue one, which often doubles as an emergency card saying that someone depends on you, and may bring discounts at local businesses.

To find your local carers' centre and what it offers, ask your council's adult social care department or contact Carers UK.

Money you may be entitled to

Discounts are helpful, but benefits are usually worth far more.

Carer's Allowance. At the time of writing (November 2026) GOV.UK gives the rate as £86.45 a week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive a qualifying benefit. There are rules on earnings, and it interacts with other benefits, including the State Pension and the benefits of the person you care for, so get advice before claiming. See Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK.
Attendance Allowance for the person you look after, if they are over State Pension age and need help with personal care. See Attendance Allowance.
Extra Pension Credit. Even if your State Pension stops Carer's Allowance being paid, claiming can still increase Pension Credit in some cases.
Council tax. There are discounts and exemptions linked to caring and disability. See council tax reduction.

The rules are complicated and we cannot give financial advice. Citizens Advice, Age UK and Carers UK all offer free benefits checks.

Support that is free

A carer's assessment from your council. This is free, is not a test of how well you care, and can lead to practical help such as respite breaks.
Registering as a carer with your GP surgery, which can bring flexible appointments and invitations to free vaccinations offered to carers.
The Priority Services Register for the household's energy and water. See Priority Services Register.

Shopping for the person you care for

Many carers do someone else's shopping and manage their money. Our guide to shopping for someone else covers doing this safely, and VAT relief on mobility aids explains how to buy eligible equipment without VAT on their behalf.

Watch out: schemes advertised as "discount cards for carers" are sometimes aimed at paid care workers rather than unpaid family carers. Check the eligibility rules before paying a joining fee.

Common questions

Is there a national carer's card?

No. Proof usually comes from the cared-for person's card or benefit letter, or from a local carer's card.

Do carers travel free on trains?

Not free, but one adult companion gets a third off when travelling with a Disabled Persons Railcard holder.

Can I get Carer's Allowance if I receive the State Pension?

The two overlap, so you may not be paid both in full, but claiming can still unlock other help. Ask Citizens Advice or Carers UK to check your circumstances.

Do I have to live with the person to count as a carer?

No. Many carers live separately from the person they look after.

Where are the other discounts?

See discount cards for over-60s and the main over-60s discounts guide.